Senate Confirms Chuck Hagel As Defense Secretary

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Source: Talkingpointsmemo

The Senate confirmed former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel (R) as the next U.S. Secretary of Defense on Tuesday, ending a long and contentious nomination process marked by an unprecedented GOP filibuster of a presidential cabinet level nominee. The final vote tally was 58 in favor, 41 opposed.

Eighteen Republicans joined to vote for cloture on the nomination earlier on Tuesday, ending debate on Hagel and paving the way for his ultimate confirmation.